BRENTWOOD, October 18, 2004 – Market leader Ford remains firm favourite among drivers of cars and vans sporting the new "54" plates. Figures just out give the blue oval a 13.7 per cent share of September's market and 14.5 per cent year-to-date. Highlights of Ford's performance include:

o Three Ford models in year-to-date top 10: Focus (1st), Fiesta (3rd) and Mondeo (9th). The September top 10 has the ever-popular Ford Ka city car alongside Focus and Fiesta. o In the commercial vehicle sector, light CVs led the charge. Figures for Transit Connect and Fiesta Van show a massive 50 per cent increase to 13,551 vans sold year-to-date. Their performance, together with iconic Transit, helped Ford lead the total CV market with a 24.6 per cent share. o Private buyers declared Ford Fiesta as their number one. The total sold in September was more than 24 per cent ahead of last year. o Focus and Mondeo were 1st and 2nd best selling diesel cars for the seventh successive month.

Paul Thomas, Ford of Britain managing director, said: "I'm proud of Ford's sales achievements in the crucial month of September, which reflect our position as Britain's favourite vehicle brand. Further new models in the pipeline will give us an even more exciting line up as we go into next year."